On Saturday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi renewed his country’s call for a comprehensive political solution to the crisis in Libya, urging a fully Libyan-led process that results in simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections.
Speaking during the 34th regular Arab League Summit held Saturday in Baghdad, President Sisi underlined that restoring stability to Libya remains a top regional priority.
He stated that Egypt remains committed to “intensive efforts to achieve a political reconciliation in Libya in line with agreed-upon frameworks.” For a lasting solution, he insisted, Libya must “move toward inclusive elections that reflect the will of the Libyan people and preserve Libya for its own citizens, with all foreign militias and military forces leaving the country.”
Sisi’s remarks aligned with growing Arab frustration over the prolonged Libyan conflict and the ongoing foreign military presence. The issue was central to the draft final declaration of the Baghdad Summit, which is expected to be formally adopted by Arab leaders.
The draft declaration expresses “full support for Libya’s sovereignty, unity, and independence,” and calls for a clear and enforceable timetable for the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries. It emphasizes that the crisis in Libya must be addressed through a national dialogue that reflects the aspirations of Libyans and safeguards the state’s territorial integrity and institutions.
The declaration also urges Libya’s House of Representatives and High Council of State to accelerate consensus on issuing electoral laws that would enable simultaneous parliamentary and presidential elections. It warns against further delays, arguing that the country can no longer afford the prolonged political deadlock and repeated transitional arrangements.
Additionally, the declaration encourages all Libyan factions to advance national reconciliation, resume the political process, and prioritize the country’s long-term stability and sovereignty.
The summit also addressed broader regional crises, including the war in Yemen, where President Sisi called for a political settlement that would end the humanitarian catastrophe and restore the country’s unity and legitimate institutions.
As Libya remains divided between rival administrations and continues to suffer from political stagnation, the messages from Baghdad underscored a unified Arab stance: elections, sovereignty, and reconciliation must be the way forward.
